As I wrote the title to this, I could hardly believe that we are going to have to face the end of another summer very soon.  I'm not sure what happened to it and I know it went by super fast.. but I'm secretly a little excited for fall.

Until then, we have another challenge ahead of us. Regaining my strength has been a top goal of mine since having Emerson in April, and each workout & each challenge brings that a little closer. I'm seeing & feeling results and that's a motivator in itself. Our wonderful Facebook crew is growing more each week and I'm loving the amount of sharing, support & community that is unfolding everyday.

We are slowing things down a bit for August. It's a month that is always hectic as we squeeze in last minute summer vacations, gear up for kids returning to school, and establish new routines. So yoga & mobility it is.

Before we moved from Bend, I would mix in some yoga classes here and there. I loved them, I just never made it a regular thing. There seems to be mixed feeling about yoga. Many worry they aren't flexible enough, or that they aren't spiritual enough.. but it's not about any of that. Yoga isn't about attaining the perfect pose, or necessary connecting with your spiritual self. It's more or less about being present.

Yoga can have a calming or energizing affect. But it also helps strengthen & lengthen all of your major muscle groups. Increased flexibility & improved balance are also some much appreciated benefits of daily practice.

There is vast growing research on how yoga improves a variety of health issues from chronic pain & fatigue, stress management, asthma, IBS and more.

Each day this month we will practice Sun Salutation A. A great series for starting or ending your day. I am turning the instruction over to Hilde, a member of our group who practices daily and will walk us through this month with instruction, tips, and some pose challenges to mix things up.

Take a look & give it a try.



 1. Standing Mountain Pose
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Press your palms together in prayer position. Rest your thumbs on your sternum and take several breaths through your nose to warm the air.

2. Upward Salute
Inhale as you sweep your arms out to the side and overhead. Gently arch your back and gaze toward the sky.

3. Standing Forward Fold
Exhale as you fold forward from the hips. Bend your knees if necessary. Rest your hands beside your feet and bring your nose to your knees.

4. Half Standing Forward Fold
Inhale as you lift your torso halfway, lengthening your spine forward so your back is flat. Your torso should be parallel to the floor. Keep your fingertips on the floor, or bring them to your shins.

5. Four-Limbed Staff Pose
Exhale as you step or jump back into Plank Pose (High Push-Up Pose), with your hands under your shoulders and feet hip-distance apart. Continue exhaling as you lower your body toward the floor. Keep your elbows tucked in toward your sides. If needed, come to your knees for Half Chaturanga. Otherwise, keep your legs straight and reach back through your heels.

6. Upward-Facing Dog Pose
Inhale as you draw your chest forward and straighten your arms. Draw your shoulders back and lift your heart to the sky. Press through the tops of your feet, lifting your thighs off the floor and fully engaging your leg muscles. Keep your elbows tucked in toward your sides.

7. Downward-Facing Dog Pose
Exhale as you lift your hips and roll over your toes, placing the soles of your feet on the floor. Your heels do not need to touch the ground. Ground down through your hands and the soles of your feet as you lengthen your spine. Lift your belly and sit bones toward the sky. Stay here for five breaths. On your last exhalation, bend your knees and look between your hands.

8. Half Standing Forward Fold
Inhale as you step or jump both feet between your hands. Lift your torso halfway, lengthening your spine forward so your back is flat. Your torso should be parallel to the floor. Keep your fingertips on the floor, or bring them to your shins.

9. Standing Forward Fold
Exhale as you fold your torso over your thighs. Bend your knees if necessary. Rest your hands beside your feet and bring your nose to your knees.

10. Upward Salute
Inhale as you sweep your arms out to the side and extend up once again. Gently arch your back and gaze toward the sky.

11. Mountain Pose
Exhale as you come back into Mountain Pose. Bring your hands into prayer position. Rest your thumbs on your sternum. Repeat the sequence

Remember, it's not about the perfect pose. Breathe, be present & mindful and relax. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this this month's challenge, scroll to the bottom to comment.


sources:

https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-do-sun-salutation-a-in-yoga